Live Whole Health #186: Slowing down with an introduction to Qigong

The idea of slowing down amidst a busy schedule can feel overwhelming. However, sometimes during all the busy-ness, slowing down and taking time for ourselves to take stock on how we are doing can be beneficial.

One way of slowing down can actually be through movement, especially slower mindful movement practices. Moving the body can help prevent and treat dozens of diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Some people hear about “moving the body” and immediately think of intense exercise. But moving the body can be done in many ways, and essentially is any activity that uses your energy to move the large muscles in your body. Some examples include walking, swimming, dancing, playing with a child or pet, or through a mindful movement practice such as Tai Chi, Qigong or yoga.

Qigong, often pronounced “chi gong” or “tsee gong,” is an ancient Chinese healing art, older than—and similar to—Tai Chi, with a focus of cultivating the body’s vital energy, or “qi”. It involves the coordination of the breath, posture, awareness, visualization and focused movements. Qigong may either be a stationary or moving meditation. It is thought to help reduce stress and help our bodies function well. This practice can be a great way to slow down while still moving your body, ultimately helping to strengthen the mind-body connection.

Interested in trying it out? Follow along with this 20-minute introduction to Qigong with Mary Ann Douglas from the Nebraska-Western Iowa VA Health Care System:  

To learn more about Qigong and other complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches that are offered through VA through the Whole Health System of care, visit: Complementary and Integrative Health – Whole Health (va.gov).

Interested in learning more about the required CIH services and other services that may be available at your facility? Contact your local VA and ask for the Whole Health Point of Contact.

For more information about moving the body, visit Moving the Body – Whole Health (va.gov).